Simple Moments of an Emerging Presence.

I have been documenting the Mexican-American community from within New York City, especially its most rapidly diversifying borough, Staten Island, since 2001. My photographs are part of my ongoing social-documentary series “Simple Moments of an Emerging Presence.” The photographs show simple moments in everyday life and special occasions important to the Mexican community. The men, women and children depicted share a common heritage and homeland. Mexicans families bring their own traditions to a new environment, and maintain many of these traditions and rich culture while adapting to wider Staten Island community.